Hit Up T.C.’s Boutiques

Kick-start your shopping day with a spot of joe or an iced chai at Créma Café (300 E. Front St., 231-922-9311), where the early-bird menu includes focaccia breakfast sandwiches. Satisfied? Head out to browse Front Street’s boutique strip. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:

Ella’s Vintage Clothing & Collectibles

Venus

(134 E. Front St., 231-995-0551): Take the stairway down to this cosmetics boutique and play with product samples. Step back up looking (and smelling) like a star. Call ahead to schedule a make-up application instruction session.

SMART TIP: Want to surprise your favorite shopper? Perhaps give your Up North hostess a thank you gift before you go? Or simply want to invest in keeping downtown Traverse City the sweet strollin’ paradise it is? Try a Downtown Traverse City gift certificate. They’re available in $5, $10, $20 and $25 denominations and accepted at 150+ downtown businesses. Buy them online or find other locations at downtowntc.com.